See the original painting!

I just saw the original oil painting in an exhibition at the Paine Art Center in Oshkosh, WI yesterday!

I didn't realize how large Rockwell originals are. This one is about 30X20.

The detail is amazing. The painting has depth and is almost dizzying to look at due to the perspective. Rockwell painted it from a photograph taken by a photographer friend who was positioned on a plank suspended above the table.

The painting is almost as detailed and lifelike as the photograph.

If you love Rockwell's art and you are in the region, it is worth the trip to Oshkosh to see this exhibition. The Paine museum currently has all 323 Post covers (all mint condition original tearsheets) as well as 26 original oil paintings on display until September 26th. You won't regret the visit.

We spent 3 hours looking at everything and came away with newly found respect and admiration for Norman Rockwell's work.

You can see some of the paintings and read more about it here. The exhibition is called Norman Rockwell: American Imagist.